RC Morning Report for Aug. 21

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A flash flood watch is in effect for much of Western Nevada as strong thunderstorms with the potential for heavy rainfall develop after 2 p.m. today over the Sierra. Wildfire burn scars will be susceptible to flooding and debris flows, according to the National Weather Service.

The American fire is up to 15,738 acres this morning, but firefighters have a line two-thirds of the way around it and are sticking to a Sept. 1 containment date. Burning along the middle fork of the American River, the fire continues to pump out smoke, which is contributing to the pall hanging over Carson Valley and Lake Tahoe. The Spring Peak fire burning near Bodie is up to 14,300 acres with 270 firefighters working to stop it.

Today’s forecast is for showers and thunderstorms mostly after 11 a.m. Some storms could produce heavy rain. Expect the high to hit 90 degrees. The wind will be light at 5 mph out of the southeast, except around thunderstorms, then outflow winds will hit 60 mph, with heavy rain and the possibility of inch-wide hail.